TOP STARS WHO TURNED DIRECTORS
In the 65-year Sinhala cinema history, several popular actors and actresses later joined the directors’ bandwagon.
FLORIDA JAYALATH became the first actress to turn director with Sweep Ticket in 1965 followed by other top stars like Gamini Fonseka who made his directorial debut with Parasathumal in 1966. He later went on to make award-winning movies like Uthumaneni, Mayurige Kathawa, Sagarayak Meda, Sakwithi etc.
DOMMIE JAYAWARDANA who was wellknown for his role as villain, directed Daru Duka in 1967 and followed it up with Singapore Charlie.
HERBERT M. SENEVIRATNE made Senehasa in 1969. He later directed Ran Ethana and Situ Diyaniya.
Popular comedian L. M. PERERA directed Hathara Maha Nidhanaya in the mid sixties and went on to make other movies like Hathara Kendare, Hathara Peraliya and Hathara Wate.
Yester year actor DUDLEY WANAGURU directed Sengawuna Menika. RUBY DE MEL directed Pipena Kumudu in
1967, ROHINI JAYAKODY directed Hengi Hora in 1968, ASHOKA PONNAMPERUMA directed Pradeepa, SHESHA PALIHAKKARA made Lakseta Kodiya, CYRIL WICKREMAGE
made Sihina Lowak, B. S. PERERA made Rodigama, ARUNA SHANTHI ‘Deviyane Oba Kohida’, ANTHONY C. PERERA Thakkita Tharikita, MAUREEN CHARUNI Hansa Wilapaya, STANLEY PERERA Tom Pachaya, SATHISCHANDRA EDIRISINGHE made Matara Achchi and Rajagedara Parewiyo.
Popular actor ROY DE SILVA made Thana Giravi in 1982 and followed it up with several box office hits.
JACKSON ANTHONY directed Julietge Bhumikawa in 1998 and later made Aba.
S c r e e n Que e n MALANI FONSEKA turned director with ‘Sasara Chethana’, while
BANDU SAMARASINGHE made Rodaya and Pem Mal Mala
Popular actor RANJAN RAMANAYAKE turned director with Parliament Jokes and went on to direct Leader, and One Shot One. Awa r d - wi n n i n g a c t o r S A NATH
GUNATHILAKA took up direction with ‘Ekamath Eka Rateka’ while TENNYSSON
COORAY made ‘Thank You Berty’ last year. The l at es t actor t o j oin t he di r ectors' bandwagon was CLETUS MENDIS who just started work on his maiden movie ‘Parapura’.
(Vasantha)